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My 3-week-old puppy's eyes aren't open. Should I be concerned?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why Is My 3-Week-Old Puppy Not Opening His Eyes?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2016

Some puppies will open their eyes later than other puppies. If there is no discharge from the eyes, mucus or matting over the eyelids, it seem like the muscles around the eyes 'blink' even though his eyes are not open, and he's eating and otherwise thriving, he may just be slow to open his eyes. If you see any of the signs I mentioned above, there is a medical reason behind why he isn't opening his eyes, and you need to take him into your vet.

103Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 7th, 2017
Sometimes it can take a little bit longer for a puppy's eyes to open, so have her seen by a vet. The vet can confirm if she has eyes or not. Even if she doesn't, she won't suffer. Plenty of dogs live perfectly normal lives while being blind. I'd have her seen by a vet on Monday for a health check.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 16th, 2019
It looks as Daenerys is suffering from a severe eye infection, it is relatively common in dogs. you will need to take her to the vet first thing in the morning, the vet will check the eyes, if it is indeed a simple eye infection your vet will prescribe an antibiotic eye drops that will probably solve the problem in no time.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 7th, 2017
I would give it a little more time, if he is nursing and active. If there is a discharge from the eye then you can apply a warm compress and gently wipe the eyes without prying then open. If they do it open after another week then I would have your vet check them
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My puppy's eyes aren't opening. What do I do if my puppy is blind?

Eyelids in puppies typically open between 10-14 days of age, and I can see that Pumpkin Pie is just past that point at 17 days. At this point, his eyes may simply be opening later than normal, or may have a congenital or infectious issue occurring. It would be best to take him to a vet (or ideally, a veterinary ophthalmologist) for further evaluation. If he does have a congenital issue leading to blindness, there are plenty of dogs that happy, full lives without sight. It just takes some dedication, consistency in training/routine, and extra caution around new people and children. Give it more time before worrying about having a blind dog! :-) I hope that all goes well for Pumpkin Pie!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my 17-day-old puppy's eyes staying shut after opening?

If she is nursing well and alert otherwise then it is less concerning and would point more to an eye injury or infection (conjunctivitis) which will need treatment. If she is weak and not wanting to nurse or interact then she needs to be seen by a vet immediately.m to see what is going on. Make sure she is kept warm and you can gentle clean her eyes with sterile eye wash. If you see any redness, mucus or cloudiness to the eye then it is best she get seen by a vet

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 3-week-old puppy's eye partially open with discharge?

The eyes typically open between 1-2 weeks of age. If the one is still closed and there is discharge then an exam with your vet is strongly recommended to diagnose infection, injury or congenital defect.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2-week-old pitbull puppy hasn't opened its eyes. Is this normal?

Sometimes it takes a few days longer for a puppy to open its eyes. Looking at the photos it looks like he is starting to open his eyes. Be patient. Should he have not opened them by the third week, then have him examined by your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2-week-old puppy's eyes aren't open. Is this normal? What to do?

You can try bathing very gently with cooled, boiled saline and cotton wool but do not pull or pry them open. It is not impossible for pups to be born with no or deformed eyes and a full vet check would be recommended if not opening within the next 72hours

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My 5-day-old Labrador puppy's eyes aren't open. Is this normal?

Puppies do not generally open their eyes until 1-2 weeks have passed since their birth. They will sleep a lot as puppies as well since they are growing and using a lot of energy. If the mom is there and he is feeding from mom, he should be nursing every 2 hours or so. If he is not nursing or mom is not around, I would feed every 2-3 hours with a puppy formula. Once he is 6-8 weeks of age, I would take him in to be seen by a veterinarian for his first set of vaccinations and deworming. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2-week-old puppy's eyes are still closed. Is Similasan safe?

Hello, she may still be working on opening her eyes on her own and is just a little slower than the rest of the clan. I would not recommend putting anything in her eyes as it could be detrimental to any condition she may have. If she does not open her eyes readily or of she develops any discharge, scratches at her face, is not eating or drinking, then I would have her evaluated by a veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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